Work

P04-01 Exploring the toxic impact of different tobacco products on periodontal health in vitro

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: According to the latest data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Turkiye ranks among the top three countries globally with the highest smoking rates, posing a significant public health and socioeconomic burden. While the detrimental effects of conventional cigarette smoking on systemic and oral health are well established, the rising popularity of heated tobacco products (HTPs) as purportedly “ less harmful ” alternatives warrants further investigation, particularly regarding their impact on periodontal health. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the toxic responses of traditional cigarettes and HTPs on oral and dental health using primary human gingival fibroblast (hGF) cells as an in vitro model. Isolated tar components from the 1R6F research cigarette, representing conventional cigarettes, and from a commercially available HTP stick were analyzed to identify differences in chemical composition, including nicotine and heavy metal content, via HPLC and ICP-MS techniques, respectively. Furthermore, dose-dependent cytotoxicity, cell proliferation inhibition, and oxidative and inflammatory responses induced by different tar phases were comparatively assessed. Our findings revealed distinct toxicological profiles between the tar phases of the two different products in hGF cells, highlighting their roles in oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired wound-healing processes. Notably, the tar phase of conventional cigarettes elicited cellular responses associated with potential long-term periodontal risks, marked by significant heavy metal content and pro-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the tar phase of HTP impaired wound healing via dose-dependent cytotoxicity, challenging the perception of these products as safer alternatives. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the chemical safety and health implications of emerging tobacco products, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk assessments to inform public health policies and preventive strategies. By expanding knowledge on the cellular impacts of both traditional and new-generation tobacco products, this study supports ongoing efforts to mitigate tobacco-related health risks, particularly among younger populations. This study was funded by TUSEB (Grant No. 2023-A4-02-33176).

Source: Toxicology Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.07.218

Authors: R. Reis, K. Kolci, E. Oz, S. Yıldırım, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida